Henry Moore

Knoedler & Co., New York

Mr. and Mrs. Martin Segal, New York (acquired from the above in 1970)

Promised and fractional gift from the above in honor of Agnes Gund in 2005 (completed in 2012)

New York, Knoedler Gallery & Marlborough Gallery, Henry Moore: Carvings 1916-1970. Bronzes 1961-1970, 1970, no. 38

Robert Melville, Henry Moore, Sculptures and Drawings 1921-1969, London, 1970, pp. 324 & 367, no. 746, illustration of another cast p. 325

Guilio Carlo Argan, Henry Moore, New York, 1971, no. 216, illustration of another cast

Alan Bowness, ed., Henry Moore, Complete Sculpture 1964-73, London, 1977, vol. 4, p. 56, no. 601, illustrations of other casts, p. 56 and pls. 128-129

David Mitchinson, ed., Henry Moore Sculpture, London, 1981, p. 214, no. 450, illustration of another cast

Very good condition. The bronze bears a polished, reflective surface, which bears tiny pits throughout that are a result of the casting process. There are no significant scratches or abrasions. There are two small areas of dark oxidation where the form comes into contact with the base.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Pointed Torso dates from the height of Moore's career, when he had mastered the most technically complex expressions of this form.  Moore himself described the progression of his sculpture as "becoming less representational, less outwardly a visual copy, and so what some people would call more abstract; but only because in this way I can present the human psychological context of my work with the greatest clearness and intensity" (quoted in F. S. Wight, ed., "Henry Moore: The Reclining Figure," The Columbus Museum Exhibition Catalogue, 1984, p. 131).

According to the Henry Moore Foundation, Pointed Torso was cast in 1969 in a bronze numbered edition of 12, plus 1 artist's proof.